Fluid filled ampoules and methods for their use in aerosolizers

ABSTRACT

A fluid filled ampoule comprises an ampoule body having a top end, a bottom end and a sealed interior containing a liquid. A top tab is coupled to the top end and is removable to create a drain vent in the top end. A bottom tab is coupled to the bottom end and is removable to create a drain opening in the bottom end. A movable shroud is coupled to the top end and is disposed about the top tab. The shroud is movable to permit access to the top tab.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of liquidaerosolization, and in particular to the management of liquids used inthe aerosolization process. More specifically, the invention relates toampoules containing liquids that are to be aerosolized.

[0002] The ability to aerosolize or nebulize small liquid droplets isimportant to a variety of industries. Merely by way of example, manypharmaceuticals can now be delivered to the lungs in liquid form.Aerosolization is also a useful technique to dispense deodorizers,perfumes, insecticides or the like into the atmosphere.

[0003] Aerosolizers or nebulizers typically utilize a supply of liquidthat is contained in some type of reservoir, such as a container,canister, or the like. In this way, the liquid may be stored in a sealedenvironment until ready for aerosolization, However, because the liquidis sealed within a container, the fluid needs to be removed andtransferred to the aerosol generator prior to aerosolization. Hence,this invention relates to the use of various ampoules that are employedto store liquids prior to aerosolization, as well as to techniques foraccessing and transferring the liquid to an aerosol generator.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In one embodiment, a fluid filled ampoule is provided thatcomprises an ampoule body having a top end, a bottom end, and a sealedinterior containing a liquid. The ampoule body may be manufactured byblowing or vacuum forming the ampoule body in a mold. The ampoule bodymay then be filed with liquid, and a melt sealing process may be used toseal the liquid within the ampoule body. The ampoule further includes atop tab that is coupled to the top end and a bottom tab that is coupledto the bottom end. In this way, the top tab may be removed to create adrain vent in the top end while the bottom tab may be removed to createa drain opening in the bottom end. Conveniently, the top and bottom tabsmay be removed by twisting the tabs. Alternatively, the tabs may becrack tabs where material is not completely removed but the seal isbroken. Combinations of twist and crack tabs may also be used. Further,in one alternative, the ampoule may be constructed to be pierced ateither the top end and/or the bottom end to create the vent or drainopening.

[0005] In one aspect, the ampoule may include a shroud that is coupledto the top end so that it is disposed about the top tab. In this way,the top tab is prevented from being removed until first moving orbending the shroud away from the top tab. Such a shroud is useful inensuring the proper order of removal of the top and bottom tabs. Forexample, by preventing access to the top tab, a user may be trained tofirst remove the bottom tab. Once removed, the ampoule may then beplaced into an aerosolization device. In so doing, the liquid remainswithin the ampoule because no vent has yet been provided. When theampoule is within the aerosolization device, the shroud may be bent andthe top tab removed to create the vent opening. Upon creation of thevent opening, the liquid flows into the aerosolization device where itis available for aerosolization.

[0006] In another aspect, the ampoule may include one or moreorientation elements to ensure proper orientation of the ampoule when itis inserted into an aerosolization device. For example, the ampoule bodymay include a pair of longitudinal rails that are adapted to guide theampoule into a receiver of an aerosolization device. Conveniently, therails may have different sizes so that the ampoule may be inserted intothe receiver in only one orientation.

[0007] In a further aspect, the ampoule may include one or more keyingelements that are used to ensure that the correct ampoule is used in anaerosolization device. The keying elements may be used to preventinsertion of the ampoule into an aerosolization device if the ampoule isnot the correct ampoule. Such keying elements may include, for example,one or more protrusions that extend from the ampoule body. Theseprotrusions must fit within corresponding slots within theaerosolization device to permit the ampoule to be inserted.Alternatively, the keying element may be configured to prevent operationof the aerosolization device unless recognized by the aerosolizationdevice. For example, the ampoule body may include a readable pattern,such as a bar code, a magnetic pattern, or the like, which must berecognized by the aerosolization device before operation will bepermitted. In another aspect, the ampoule may include one or moreprotrusions to trigger an electrical switch which closes a circuit inthe aerosol generator. Such a trigger may be used to supply power to theaerosol generator. When the user inhales, a flow sensor may be actuatedto fully power up the aerosol generator to aerosolize the liquid. If thecorrect protrusions are not included on the ampoule, the aerosolgenerator will not actuate.

[0008] In a further aspect, the ampoule may be provided with a largesealing surface that is configured to provide a seal with the aerosolgenerator. The large sealing surface is advantageous in that it leaves arelatively large, empty socket in the aerosolization device after theampoule is removed. In this way, the aerosolization device may moreeasily be accessed during cleaning after the ampoule has been removed.The large sealing surface may conveniently be provided by tapering thebottom end to increase the surface area. In yet another aspect, theampoule is provided with a relatively thick wall to reduce the chance ofdroplet spillage. For example, the ampoule body may be provided with awall thickness of at least about 0.03 inches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an ampouleaccording to the invention.

[0010]FIG. 2 is a front view of the ampoule of FIG. 1.

[0011]FIG. 3 is a side view of the ampoule of FIG. 1.

[0012]FIG. 4 is a bottom-end view of the ampoule of FIG. 1.

[0013]FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional side view of the ampoule of FIG. 4taken along lines A-A.

[0014]FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional side view of the ampoule of FIG. 4taken along lines B-B.

[0015]FIG. 5 is a bottom-end view of the ampoule of FIG. 1 after theremoval of a bottom tab to expose a drain opening.

[0016]FIG. 6 is a side view of the ampoule of FIG. 5 and furtherillustrating the removal of a top tab to expose a vent opening.

[0017]FIG. 7 is a top view of the ampoule of FIG. 6 and furtherillustrating the bending of a shroud to gain access to the top tab(shown removed).

[0018]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative ampoule accordingto the invention.

[0019]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an ampoule having contact pointsthat serve as keying element according to the invention.

[0020]FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an ampoule havingcontact fingers that are used as keying elements according to theinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The invention provides various ampoules used to store liquidsthat are to be atomized as well as techniques for transferring thestored liquids to an aerosolizer. The ampoules of the invention mayconveniently include a variety of features to facilitate their usewithin various types of aerosolization devices. Such features mayinclude, for example, features to insure their proper insertion into anaerosolization device, to insure proper operation of the ampoules whenreleasing the stored liquids, and to insure that the correct ampoule isbeing inserted into the aerosolization device.

[0022] The ampoules of the invention may be used with a wide variety ofaerosolization devices that are configured to aerosolize a volume ofliquid. Such aerosolizers may be of the type, for example, where avibratable member is vibrated at ultrasonic frequencies to produceliquid droplets. Some specific, non-limiting examples of technology forproducing fine liquid droplets is by supplying liquid to an apertureplate having a plurality of tapered apertures and vibrating the apertureplate to eject liquid droplets through the apertures. Such a techniqueis described generally in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,164,740; 5,938,117;5,586,550; 5,758,637 and 6,085,740, the complete disclosures of whichare herein incorporated by reference. However, it will be appreciatedthat the invention is not intended to be limited for use only with suchdevices.

[0023] The ampoules of the invention may be used to store a wide varietyof liquids. Merely by way of example, liquids that may be stored withinthe ampoules include various pharmaceuticals such as saline, albuterol,chromatin, budesinide, nicotine, THC, cocaine, and the like. Otherliquids that may be stored include insecticides, deodorizers, perfumes,and the like. Hence, it will be appreciated that the ampoules of theinvention may be used to store essentially any type of liquid that iscapable of being aerosolized.

[0024] The ampoules of the invention may be constructed by blowing orvacuum-forming the ampoule in a mold, filling the ampoule with liquid,and melt-sealing the liquid into the ampoule. The ampoules may furtherbe provided with a set of removable tabs to provide a drain vent and adrain opening. Typically, these will be located in the top and bottom ofthe ampoule so that the liquid may drain by force of gravity once theopenings are formed. The tabs may be removed by twisting, cracking, orthe like so that the opening may be formed. In some cases, the ampoulesmay be configured to be opened simply by piercing the top and/or bottomend. Such piercing elements may conveniently be incorporated into theaerosolization device.

[0025] Various materials may be used to construct the ampoules, such asmoderate durometer polymer materials, thermoplastic synthetics, such aslow density polyethylene and polypropylene, and the like. The ampoulesmay be provided with a thick enough wall to minimize droplet spillage.For instance, the wall thickness may be greater than about 0.030 inch.The ampoule may further be configured so that the diameter of the drainopening minimizes the drip potential for the fluid stored within theampoule. For example, larger diameter openings may be provided whenstoring higher viscosity fluids and smaller diameter openings may beused for low viscosity fluids.

[0026] The ampoules may include one or more orienting elements to ensureproper orientation of the ampoule when inserted into an aerosolizationdevice. For example, the ampoule may include one or more keyed railsthat must be inserted into the appropriate slots in the aerosolizationdevice. One way to key the rails is by making them of different widthsso that each rail must be inserted into a specific slot in theaerosolization device. Conveniently, the difference in width may beaccomplished by thickening the entire length, or by the incorporation ofone or more discrete points of thicknesses, which may be either at thetop, bottom or any combination of points along the length of the rail.The use of discrete width increases in the rails is advantageous in thatit decreases the addition of voids in the fill space and thus reducesthe hold-up volume of the ampoule when drained.

[0027] Another feature of the ampoules is that they may include in theirphysical design an order of operation. In other words, the ampoule maybe configured so that it is operated in a certain way when removing theliquid. For example, the first twist-off tab to be used may beunrestricted and easily accessible to the user. On the other hand,access to the second twist-off tab may be prevented access until a prioroperation, such as the folding of a shroud, is performed in order toexpose the second twist-off tab.

[0028] The use of a folding shroud may also be used as a handle forremoval of the ampoule after drainage of the fluid. Such a handle mayalso be used to place the ampoule into the space in which it is loadedin the aerosolization device.

[0029] Another feature of the ampoules is that they may be provided witha large sealing surface as well as a large ratio of the sealing surfaceto the twist-off tab for the drain opening. The sealing surface may beprovided with a large diameter so that the empty socket which remainsafter the ampoule is removed may easily be cleaned. The seal between theampoule and the aerosolization device may be made between the outsidediameter of the ampoule and the inside diameter of a receiver in theaerosolization device. However, this seal may also made between theinside of the ampoule and the outside of the aerosolization devicereceiver.

[0030] In another embodiment, the ampoule may be constructed so that itmay not be used with some aerosolization devices, or so that it may fitwithin more than one device. For example, the ampoule may include maleor female protrusions that may be used to key the ampoule to a specificaerosolization device or devices. The presence of such a keying featureon the aerosolization device receiver would require the same key featureto be on the ampoule. However, some ampoules with the same pattern, buta different number of keying protrusions or intrusions may be acceptedby multiple front ends of aerosolization devices. An ampoule may beconfigured to be excluded or included into a specific aerosolizationdevice by choosing the number and/or location of the keying protrusionsor inclusions.

[0031] The ampoules may alternatively be provided with a variety ofother keying features, such as by using a thin metallic strip that isattached to the side or face of the ampoule. For example, the strip maybe bonded to the ampoule, molded into the ampoule, or crimped onto theside of the ampoule after production. The strip may have a series ofalternating metallic areas where a reader in the aerosolization devicemay read the pattern on the surface through a resistance method toidentify the type of drug in the ampoule, the expiration date, thedosage to be delivered, or any other information that may accompany theampoule. As another alternative, the ampoule may be bar coded withvisible, ultraviolet, or infrared ink to provide the same keyingfeatures through a detector mounted within the aerosolization device.Such aerosolization devices may utilize a memory device, a magneticstrip, or other communication device to communicate the specifics of theampoule to the aerosolization device. The controller of theaerosolization device may also be configured to provide feedback, tokeep a tally of the total doses taken, or other information.

[0032] A further alternative for keying the ampoule may be to provideprotrusions molded into the side of the ampoule on the keying rail.These protrusions or nubs may either stick out in line with the planemade by the two side rails or may be mounted 90 degrees relative to thisplane. The side rails may be of different widths, and of differentoverall lengths, as well as shapes that are different from each other orthat are different from other ampoules. The rail may have a variety ofshapes, such as square, rounded, triangular, angled, or the like, andmay also be applied to the overall volume of the ampoule for a uniquekeying strategy.

[0033] Such protrusions may be used to close an electromechanicalcircuit when inserted into the aerosolization device. Once the circuitis closed, power is provided to the aerosol generator. For example, theaerosol generator may be placed in sleep or silent mode. When the userinhales, a flow sensor senses the breath and increases the power to theaerosol generator to aerosolize the liquid.

[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, one embodiment of an ampoule 10 willbe described. Ampoule 10 comprises an ampoule body 12 having a top end14 and a bottom end 16. Ampoule body 12 has a sealed interior 18containing a liquid 20 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). Ampoule body 12 may beconstructed by blowing or vacuum-forming the ampoule body in a mold. Theampoule body may then be filled with liquid 20 and a melt-sealingprocess used to seal the fluid within ampoule body 10.

[0035] Integrally formed with ampoule body 12 at top end 14 is a top tab22 that is surrounded by a bendable shroud 24. Tab 22 is removable fromampoule body 12 by grasping tab 22 and twisting it relative to ampoulebody 12. Once tab 22 is removed, a drain vent 26 is formed in top end 14as best shown in FIG. 7. To permit tab 22 to be twisted off, shroud 24is bent relative to ampoule body 12 as illustrated generally in FIG. 7.Conveniently, recesses 28 may be provided in shroud 24 to facilitatebending of shroud 24 to provide access to tab 22.

[0036] Integrally formed with ampoule body 12 at bottom end 16 is abottom tab 30 to form a drain opening 32 as best shown in FIG. 5.Conveniently, bottom tab 30 may be configured to be twisted off in amanner similar to top tab 22 to form drain opening 32.

[0037] When both drain vent 26 and drain opening 32 are formed, liquid20 is permitted to drain through drain opening 32 by force of gravity(assuming top end 14 is vertically above bottom end 16). In use, ampoule10 may need to be inserted into an aerosolization device. Conveniently,the aerosolization device may include a receiver into which ampoule 10is inserted. Merely by way of example, ampoule 10 may be inserted into areceiver as described in co-pending U.S. application Ser No. ______,filed on the same date as the present application (Attorney Docket No.16770-004500), the complete disclosure of which is herein incorporatedby reference. Ampoule 10 is configured to ensure the proper order of tabremoval when using ampoule 10 with an aerosolization device. Forexample, shroud 24 prevents access to top tab 22, thereby suggesting tothe user that tab 30 should first be removed in order to create thedrain opening. Once tab 30 is removed, ampoule 10 may be inserted intoan aerosolization device, with liquid being prevented from exitingthrough drain opening 32 by the vacuum existing within interior 18. Oncewithin the device, shroud 24 may be bent to the side and top tab 22twisted off to provide drain vents 26. In so doing, liquid 20 is free toflow from ampoule body 12 and into the aerosolization device where itmay be aerosolized.

[0038] Bottom end 16 includes an outer edge 34 that is used to form aseal between ampoule body 12 and the aerosolization device into whichampoule 10 is inserted. Outer edge 34 has a relatively large diameter sothat the socket into which ampoule 10 is inserted is also relativelylarge. In this way, the empty socket in the aerosolization device mayeasily be cleaned following removal of ampoule 10. Merely by way ofexample, outer edge 34 may have a diameter in the range from about 0.2inch to about 1 inch.

[0039] Ampoule body 12 includes a pair of longitudinal rails 36 and 38.As best shown in FIG. 4, rail 36 is thicker than rail 38. In this way,rails 36 and 38 are keyed to ensure proper orientation of ampoule 10into an aerosolization device. For example, the aerosolization devicemay include a receiver having a wide slot and a narrow slot that areconfigured to receiver rails 36 and 38, respectively.

[0040] Ampoule further includes a set of keying protrusions 40 thatprotrude from ampoule body 12. Protrusions 40 are used to key ampoule 10so that it may be inserted only into aerosolization devices that arespecifically configured to receive such an ampoule. For example, asshown, ampoule 10 includes four protrusions 40. With such aconfiguration, the aerosolization device may include four slots that areconfigured to receive protrusions 40. The slots have the same dimensionand are at the same angle of orientation so that ampoule 10 may beinserted into the aerosolization device. To vary the keying features,ampoule 10 may be provided with a different number of protrusions, or bychanging the size and/or position of protrusions 40 on ampoule body 12.In this way, ampoule 10 may be keyed for a specific device. With such aconfiguration, a drug may be placed into ampoule 10 which isspecifically configured for a certain aerosolization device. If theampoule containing the proper drug is not inserted into theaerosolization device, the drug may not be aerosolized. Although shownwith protrusions, it will be appreciated that a wide variety of otherkeys may be used to key ampoule 10 as previously described. Further,other specific examples of keying features will be described hereinafterwith reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, various information may be molded intoampoule body 12. For example, the lot number of the ampoule and theexpiration date of the drug may be molded into ampoule body 12. Further,it will be appreciated that other descriptive information may also beincluded on ampoule body 12.

[0042] Shown in FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of an ampoule 50.Ampoule 50 is essentially identical to ampoule 10 except for the size ofvarious components. For convenience of illustration, similar componentswill be referred to using the same reference numerals followed by aprime (“′”). Ampoule body 12′ of ampoule 50 is significantly smallerthan ampoule body 12. In this way, ampoule 50 may be used for drugsrequiring less of a unit dosage. Because ampoule body 12′ has beenreduced in size, top tab 22′ and shroud 24′ are made larger so thatampoule 50 retains the same overall size as ampoule 12. In this way, avariety of ampoules that contain different unit dosages may be usedwithin the same type of aerosolization devices. Merely by way ofexample, ampoule 50 may be configured to hold a volume of about 0.2 mLto about 1.0 mL while ampoule 10 may hold a volume of about 0.2 mL toabout 6 mL, and more preferably from about 0.8 mL to about 3.0 mL. Forother aerosolization applications, such as when aerosolizing adeodorizer or insecticizer, larger volumes may be used.

[0043]FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an ampoule 52.Ampoule comprises an ampoule body 54 having a top end 56 and a bottomend 58. Ampoule body 54 includes a reservoir 60 that contains a liquid.Ampoule body 54 includes score lines 62 that permit bottom end 58 to bebroken off from ampoule body 54 to provide a drain opening, and scorelines 63 to permit top end 56 to be broken off to provide a vent.Conveniently, a piercing mechanism may be used to pierce reservoir 60 topermit the liquid to drain from reservoir 60.

[0044] Ampoule body 54 further includes a side 64 that includes a seriesof alternating metallic areas 66. In this way, when ampoule 52 isinserted into an aerosolization device, an electrical reader may be usedto read the pattern of metallic areas 66 to determine the liquidcontained within reservoir 66. If the appropriate ampoule has not beeninserted, the aerosolization device may include a controller to preventits operation. Although shown in connection with FIG. 9, it will beappreciated that similar metallic areas may be used within any of theembodiments described herein in order to key the ampoule to a specifictype of liquid.

[0045]FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an ampoule 68that has the same overall appearance to ampoule 52 of FIG. 9. Forconvenience of discussion, similar elements will be referred to with thesame reference numerals. Ampoule 68 differs from ampoule 52 in that itutilizes a set of fingers 70 that serve as keying elements to identifythe particular type of liquid contained within reservoir 60. Ampoule 68may be used within an aerosolization device having spring contact leavesthat are actuated to cause a circuit to be created upon insertion. Inthis way, the aerosolization device recognizes the specific type ofampoule and may be configured to operate only when the proper ampoulehas been inserted.

[0046] Other techniques for keying such ampoules is by including a metalfilm on the surface of the ampoule body. This may be accomplished byplating, spraying, taping or any other attachment scheme. The attachedmetal may be selectively covered by paint or may be attached only incertain areas. The presence of the metal serves as a conductor andpatterns of the conductive material may cause the aerosolization deviceto recognizes the particular type of ampoule. For example, the patternof conductive areas may be sensed by a linear or other set of springsensors. Such spring tension sensors may serve to both hold the ampoulein place and to push the contacts against the ampoule body to make areliable contact. Such a scheme may be used with any of the ampoulesdescribed herein.

[0047] In some embodiments, the ampoule may be provided with aprogrammable memory chip, such as an EPROM chip that is on the surfaceor embedded as part of the manufacturing process. The aerosolizationdevice may include a reader to read the information from the memory. Inthis way, the aerosolizer may keep a record of various information, suchas the number of doses, the time of dosing, the expiration date, and thelike.

[0048] The invention has now been described in detail for purposes ofclarity of understanding. However, it will be appreciated that certainchanges and modifications may be practiced within the scope of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. 1. A fluid filled ampoule, comprising: an ampoulebody having a top end, a bottom end, and a sealed interior containing aliquid; a top tab that is coupled to the top end, wherein the top tab isremovable to create a drain vent in the top end; a bottom tab that iscoupled to the bottom end, wherein the bottom tab is removable to createa drain opening in the bottom end; and a movable shroud that is coupledto the top end and which is disposed about the top tab.
 2. An ampoule asin claim 1, wherein the top tab and the bottom tab are coupled to theampoule body such that they are removable by applying a twisting action.3. An ampoule as in claim 1, wherein the shroud is bendable to provideaccess to the top tab.
 4. An ampoule as in claim 1, further comprising apair of longitudinal rails on the ampoule body that are adapted to guidethe ampoule into a receiver of an aerosolization device.
 5. An ampouleas in claim 4, wherein the rails have different sizes so that theampoule may be inserted into the receiver in only one orientation.
 6. Anampoule as in claim 1, wherein the bottom end is tapered to provide asurface area at the bottom end that is adapted to provide a seal with areceiver of an aerosolization device.
 7. An ampoule as in claim 1,wherein the ampoule body has a wall thickness of at least about 0.03inch.
 8. An ampoule as in claim 1, further comprising at least onekeying element on the ampoule body that is adapted to permit operationof an aerosolization device when the keying element is accepted by theaerosolization device.
 9. An ampoule as in claim 8, wherein the keyingelement comprises a protrusion extending from the ampoule body.
 10. Anampoule as in claim 8, wherein the keying element comprises a readablepattern on the ampoule body.
 11. A fluid filled ampoule, comprising: anampoule body having a top end, a bottom end, and a sealed interiorcontaining a liquid, wherein the top end and the bottom end are eachadapted to be opened to provide respective vent and drain openings; andat least one orientation element to facilitate proper insertion of theampoule into an aerosolization device.
 12. An ampoule as in claim 11,further comprising a pair of orientation elements that comprise a pairof longitudinal rails on the ampoule body that are adapted to guide theampoule into the aerosolization device in a particular orientation. 13.An ampoule as in claim 12, wherein the rails have different sizes sothat the ampoule may be inserted into the aerosolization device in onlyone orientation.
 14. An ampoule as in claim 11, further comprising a toptab that is coupled to the top end, wherein the top tab is removable tocreate the drain vent in the top end, and a bottom tab that is coupledto the bottom end, wherein the bottom tab is removable to create thedrain opening in the bottom end.
 15. An ampoule as in claim 14, whereinthe top tab and the bottom tab are coupled to the ampoule body such thatthey are removable by applying a twisting action.
 16. An ampoule as inclaim 14, further comprising a shroud disposed about the top tab,wherein the shroud is bendable to provide access to the top tab.
 17. Anampoule as in claim 11, wherein the bottom end is tapered to provide asurface area at the bottom end that is adapted to provide a seal with anaerosolization device.
 18. An ampoule as in claim 11, further comprisingat least one keying element on the ampoule body that is adapted topermit operation of the aerosolization device when the keying element isaccepted by the aerosolization device.
 19. An ampoule as in claim 18,wherein the keying element comprises a protrusion extending from theampoule body.
 20. An ampoule as in claim 18, wherein the keying elementcomprises a readable pattern on the ampoule body.
 21. A fluid filledampoule, comprising: an ampoule body having a top end, a bottom end, anda sealed interior containing a liquid, wherein the top end and thebottom end are each adapted to be opened to provide respective vent anddrain openings; and at least one keying element on the ampoule body thatis adapted to permit operation of an aerosolization device when thekeying element is accepted by the aerosolization device.
 22. An ampouleas in claim 21, wherein the keying element comprises a protrusionextending from the ampoule body.
 23. An ampoule as in claim 21, whereinthe keying element comprises a readable pattern on the ampoule body. 24.An ampoule as in claim 21, further comprising at least one orientationelement to facilitate proper insertion of the ampoule into theaerosolization device.
 25. An ampoule as in claim 24, further comprisinga pair of orientation elements that comprise a pair of longitudinalrails on the ampoule body that are adapted to guide the ampoule into theaerosolization device in a particular orientation.
 26. An ampoule as inclaim 25, wherein the rails have different sizes so that the ampoule maybe inserted into the aerosolization device in only one orientation. 27.An ampoule as in claim 21, wherein the bottom end is tapered to providea surface area at the bottom end that is adapted to provide a seal withthe aerosolization device.
 28. An ampoule as in claim 21, furthercomprising a top tab that is coupled to the top end, wherein the top tabis removable to create the drain vent in the top end, and a bottom tabthat is coupled to the bottom end, wherein the bottom tab is removableto create the drain opening in the bottom end.
 29. An ampoule as inclaim 28, wherein the top tab and the bottom tab are coupled to theampoule body such that they are removable by applying a twisting action.30. An ampoule as in claim 28, further comprising a shroud disposedabout the top tab, wherein the shroud is bendable to provide access tothe top tab.
 31. A method for supplying liquid to an aerosolizationdevice, the method comprising: providing an ampoule comprising anampoule body having a top end, a bottom end, and a sealed interiorcontaining a liquid, a top tab that is coupled to the top end, a bottomtab that is coupled to the bottom end, and a shroud disposed about thetop tab; moving the shroud away from the tab; removing the top tab tocreate a drain vent; removing the bottom tab to create a drain opening;wherein upon creation of the drain vent and the drain opening, theliquid in the interior flows out of the drain opening and is availablefor aerosolization by an aerosolization device.
 32. A method as in claim31, further comprising inserting the ampoule into the aerosolizationdevice after removing the bottom tab and prior to removing the top tab.33. A method as in claim 31, further comprising bending the shroud tomove the shroud away from the top tab.
 34. A method as in claim 31,further comprising twisting the top tab and the bottom tab to removethem from the ampoule body.
 35. A method as in claim 31, wherein theampoule further includes a pair of longitudinal rails on the ampoulebody, and further comprising inserting the ampoule into theaerosolization device such that the rails are received intocorresponding slots in the aerosolization device.
 36. A method as inclaim 35, wherein the rails and the slots have different sizes, andfurther comprising inserting the ampoule such that the rails andreceived into the appropriately sized slots.
 37. A method as in claim32, wherein the bottom end is tapered, and further comprising providinga seal with the bottom end and the aerosolization device.
 38. A methodas in claim 31, wherein the ampoule further includes at least one keyingelement on the ampoule body, and further comprising inserting theaerosolization device and permitting operation of the aerosolizationdevice only when the keying element is accepted by the aerosolizationdevice.
 39. A method as in claim 38, wherein the keying elementcomprises a protrusion on the ampoule body, and further comprisinginserting the ampoule into the aerosolization device such that theprotrusion is received into a keyed slot in the aerosolization device.